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Our History

Founded in 1939 as the Maternal Health Center, Planned Parenthood South Texas has grown to become the region's largest family planning organization.

Below is a timeline of our history:

1939

Under the leadership of Mollie Bennett Lupe, a group of San Antonio women established the Maternal Health Center in a small adobe house at the corner of Water and Goliad Streets.

1940s

The Maternal Health Center is incorporated as Planned Parenthood Center of San Antonio (PPCSA).Diaphragms are available to clients requesting a reliable birth control method.

1950s

New technology and a growing industrialized nation cause more couples to consider limiting the size of their families.

PPCSA flourishes with the advent of oral contraceptives and receives its first federal grant, allowing the agency to expand from one health care center to a central site with 12 satellite centers.

1970s

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to legalize abortion in Roe v. Wade revolutionizes freedom of reproductive choice for women across the country.

PPCSA employs nurse practitioners for the first time, a cost-effective measure to provide services to more clients.

1980s

PPCSA expands to four independent health care centers subsidized by public funds. The purchase of the Babcock building allows PPCSA to open its first self-sustaining clinic, supported through client fees and private donations.

PPCSA's name is changed to Planned Parenthood of San Antonio (PPSA).

PPSA adds screening services for HIV and treatment for chlamydia.

In 1989, PPSA opens its second self-sustaining health care center in northwest San Antonio.

1990s

Planned Parenthood opens another self-sustaining center in northeast San Antonio.

Two new birth control options are offered to Planned Parenthood patients: the Norplant device prevents pregnancy for five years, and the Depo-Provera injection prevents pregnancy for three months.

Expanded gynecological services to include follow-up and treatment of abnormal Pap tests to prevent the advancement of cervical cancer.

In 2010, The Planned Parenthood Trust of San Antonio and South Central Texas consolidates with its sister affiliate, the Planned Parenthood Association of Cameron and Willacy Counties. Service Delivery area now includes: San Antonio,Harlingen and Brownsville.

In 2011, The Planned Parenthood Trust of San Antonio and South Central Texas changes its name to the Planned Parenthood Trust of South Texas to reflect its new geographic scope.

On January 1, 2014 the Planned Parenthood Trust of South Texas changes its name is Planned Parenthood South Texas.